Southern Maryland News Net

UPDATE: Plane Confirmed Down With One Dead in Hollywood, Maryland

2/28/2026 @ 10:30 a.m.: First Responders have located the aircraft on private property off Hollywood Road approximately one mile into a wooded area The small aircraft was occupied by one victim who has been confirmed deceased on the scene. Investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided when they become available. Expect extended delays on Hollywood Road. 2/28/2026 @ 9:30 a.m.: Dorsey Park on Hollywood road and College of Southern Maryland are being used as staging locations for fire...
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No Injuries Reported After Vehicle Fire in Lexington Park Closed Three Notch Road

On Friday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 10:45 a.m., police and firefighters responded to the area of Three Notch Road and Pegg Road in Lexington Park, for the reported vehicle on fire. While dispatching the call, the incident was upgraded to a vehicle fire with entrapment, after multiple 911 callers reported the vehicle was on fire with a male possibly still inside the vehicle. Bay District VFD Safety 9 and police arrived on the scene within minutes to find...
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Two Waldorf Women Indicted on Dozens of Animal Cruelty Charges

A Charles County grand jury has indicted two Waldorf women on multiple felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges stemming from a December 2025 investigation. April Nicole Ware, 51, and Jade Mahogany George, 20, were indicted on Jan. 30 on eight counts of aggravated animal cruelty and more than three dozen animal cruelty-related misdemeanors. According to charging documents, during the overnight hours of Dec. 1, 2025, six dogs were placed in the night drop-off cage at the Charles County Animal...
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UPDATE: Charges Pending Further Investigation After 72-Year-Old Virginia Man is Killed in Charlotte Hall Crash

UPDATE 2/27/2026: On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 6:00 a.m., Troopers from Maryland State Police La Plata Barrack along with deputies from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to Maryland Route 234 (Budds Creek Rd) at Stines Store Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle collision. Due to the circumstances, the Maryland State Police CRASH Team responded to assume the investigation. A preliminary investigation conducted by Troopers from the MSP La Plata Barrack and the MSP...
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Firefighters Quickly Contain and Extinguish Large Brush Fire in Leonardtown Despite Terrain Complications

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 5:36 p.m., firefighters from Leonardtown were dispatched to the area of Maypole Road and Point Lookout Road in Leonardtown, for the reported brush fire. Leonardtown VFD Engine 11 arrived on location to find multiple large piles of cut timber on fire off the road way. Engine 11 requested the brush fire task force to be started and 2 additional tankers. This brought additional firefighters from Leonardtown, Hollywood and Seventh District to the...
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Mechanicsville Man Charged With Drug Distribution After Lexington Park Arrest

Kevin Benjamin Berry, 38, of Mechanicsville, has been charged with multiple drug offenses after deputies reportedly found crack cocaine and related paraphernalia during the execution of a search warrant in Lexington Park. According to court documents, Berry is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance not cannabis, possession with intent to distribute a narcotic drug, and possession of production equipment for manufacturing controlled dangerous substances. The charges stem from an incident on February 20, 2026. Charging documents state...
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Minor Injuries Reported After Vehicle Strikes Church in Waldorf That Leaves Operator Trapped

On Tuesday, February 25, 2026, at approximately 11:55 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the Church of Christ located at 30 Village Street in Waldorf, for the serious motor vehicle collision involving the structure with entrapment. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a vehicle completely into the building with the adult female operator trapped in the vehicle. The La Plata Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves as the county’s designated Structural and Trench Collapse Rescue Team,...
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UPDATE: GoFundMe Started for Victim Critically Injured After Tree Falls On Vehicle in Calvert County That Kills Two Others

UPDATE 2/26/2026: A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of those involved in a tragic crash that occurred on February 22, 2026, in Sunderland. Calvert County Sheriff’s Office responded to North Solomons Island Road (MD Route 2) near Aspen Wood Drive for a serious motor vehicle collision. According to the preliminary investigation, a vehicle traveling northbound was struck by a falling tree that entered the roadway. The vehicle was occupied by Michael Lee Simpson, 60, of Deale; Virginia...
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UPDATE: One In Custody and Victim Flown to Trauma Center After Stabbing in Lexington Park

UPDATE: Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a stabbing incident that occurred Wednesday morning in Lexington Park. At about 8:20 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a residence on Colby Road for the report of a male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. When deputies arrived, they immediately rendered aid to the victim. Witnesses reported that the suspect, who was related to the victim, had fled the scene. Deputies quickly located the suspect in the area...
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UPDATE: Parents Are Told Baby Was Cremated, Police Find Body Rotting in Home of Crematory Owners

UPDATE – Court documents emerge with shocking and horrible details – Reader discretion advised. Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland, are each charged with eight counts of burying or disposing of a body in an unauthorized place after investigators reported finding decomposing infant and fetal remains inside their Bensville home garage, including the body of a two-month-old infant who was found dressed for funeral services. According to charging documents filed in the...
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Calvert County Announces Participation in Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program

The Department of Public Safety’s Career Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Division and Calvert Advanced Life Support, in partnership with the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, announced the launch of its Low-Titer Type O Positive (LTO+) Whole Blood Field Transfusion Program. Development of the program was accelerated following a critical incident in which Deputy James Flynt of the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office sustained a gunshot wound while pursuing a suspect. Flynt received whole blood after arriving at CalvertHealth Medical...
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Police Investigating Hit and Run Involving Bicyclist in Lexington Park, Victim Flown to Trauma Center

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 9:28 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Great Mills Road and Kay Drive in Lexington Park,, for the reported motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. Crews arrived to find a single bicyclist lying in the roadway. The striking vehicle involved had fled the scene before first responders arrived. Deputies from the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded and are investigating the collision. EMS requested a helicopter to...
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St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Mourns the Loss of Ralph Jerome Butler, Civilian Security Specialist and Retired Corrections Corporal

With great sadness, the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announces the loss of one of our own, Ralph Jerome Butler, Civilian Security Specialist and retired Corrections Corporal, who died early this morning at his home. Ralph was a treasured member of our agency, known for his steady presence and professionalism. He served as a Correctional Officer at the Detention and Rehabilitation Center for more than 23 years before retiring in March 2022 as a Corporal. Ralph returned to work...
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Indian Head House Fire Displaces Family of Five, Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Fire and Rescue Multiple Dogs from Home

On Monday, February 23, 2026, at approximately 3:20 p.m., firefighters responded to the Oak Street in Indian Head, for the reported house on fire. 911 callers reported their neighbors house was on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene in under 4 minutes and found fire showing from the single story residence with three occupants out of the home reporting animals trapped inside. Crews quickly made entry with attack lines and reported a fire in the kitchen with extensions into...
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UPDATE: Maryland State Police Arrest Owners Of Charles County Crematorium For Mishandling Human Remains

UPDATE 2/21/2026 : Maryland State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division made two arrests in connection with the disposal of human remains from a crematorium in Charles County. The accused are identified as Rosa Iyonna Williams, 48, and Brandon Angelo Williams, 50, both of Waldorf, Maryland. After consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Charles County, both were charged with eight violations each of the Maryland General Health Article §5-514, unauthorized disposal of a body. On...
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La Plata Police Arrest Virginia Man in Online Child Exploitation Investigation

On February 25, 2026, the La Plata Police Department received a report that a juvenile male had been contacted online by an adult male. During the exchange, the conversation became sexual in nature and explicit photographs were sent to the juvenile. The suspect later arranged to meet the juvenile at a predetermined location in...
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Police and Fire Marshal Investigating Stolen Vehicle Found Burned in Hughesville

On Friday, February 27, 2026, police responded to the 13000 block of Burnt Store Road in Hughesville, for the reported vehicle fire with no active fire. Police arrived on the scene to find a 2015 Nissan Altima completely burned. Investigation determined the vehicle was previously reported stolen earlier this month. The estimated loss is...
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Public Notification of Sewage Overflow of Approximately 100 Gallons in Prince Frederick

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow was reported to the Calvert County Department of Public Works, Water & Sewerage Division on Feb. 22, 2026, at approximately 8:30 p.m. The overflow occurred in the roadway near the 330 block of North Chesapeake Avenue in the Dares Beach community in Prince Frederick. Approximately 100 gallons of untreated wastewater...
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Nominations Open for Tomorrow’s Woman & Woman of the Year

Do you have an exemplary woman or young woman in your life? In honor of Women’s History Month, the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women (SMC CFW), in an effort to recognize as many phenomenal women in the community as possible, will virtually recognize all nominees for Tomorrow’s Woman and Woman of the Year...
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Registration Opens Monday, March 2nd, 2026 for St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks Summer Camps

St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is pleased to announce that registration for 2026 Summer Fun Camps, Sports Camps, Sport Academies and Therapeutic Camps will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. Various camp programs are available this summer between June 22 – August 13, 2026, with options...
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Emily Leedy, Named 2026 Charles County Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Emily Leedy, a third-grade teacher at J.C. Parks Elementary School, was named the 2026 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Teacher of the Year during a Feb. 19 ceremony celebrating this year’s nominees. She began her career in Pennsylvania before moving to Maryland and teaching at the Accokeek Academy in Prince George’s County. After earning...
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Police Investigating Single Vehicle Rollover in Hollywood, No Injuries Reported

On Thursday, February 27, 2026, at approximately 7:07 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Three Notch Road and St. John’s Road in Hollywood for a serious motor vehicle collision with one vehicle overturned and one trapped. Crews arrived on the scene to confirm a single Toyota pickup truck off...
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Prince George’s County Allows Legal Ownership and Adoption of Pit Bull–Terriers Under New Law

Prince George’s County now allows Pit Bull–type terriers to be legally owned and adopted following the passage of County Bill CB-097-2025, provided all registration and ownership requirements are met. Under the new law, individuals who own or wish to adopt Pit Bull–type terriers must comply with specific County requirements designed to promote responsible pet...
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UPDATE: “The Wire” Star Bobby J. Brown Identified as Victim in Fatal Chaptico Barn Fire

UPDATE 2/26/2026: Bobby J. Brown age 62, has been identified as the victim located in the barn in Chaptico after an accidental fire. Brown’s agent, Albert Bramante, confirmed the news and reflected on the actor’s legacy. “Bobby J. Brown was an actor of immense talent and even greater integrity,” Bramante said in a statement...
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Bald Eagle Rescued at Dunkirk Town Center After Deputies Spot Injured Bird

A bald eagle was rescued Thursday morning after a Calvert County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the bird standing motionless near a wooded area at Dunkirk Town Center. At approximately 11:49 a.m. on Feb. 26, Lt. Basham observed the eagle on the ground along the wood line. Because bald eagles are rarely seen lingering on the...
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One Flown to Trauma Center After Single Vehicle Rollover in Mechanicsville Leaves Driver Trapped

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, at approximately 10:10 a.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the area of Mechanicsville Road and Gander Court in Mechanicsville, for the serious motor vehicle collision with one overturned and entrapment. Crews arrived to find the vehicle resting on its driver’s side in the tree line, off...
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Historic St. Mary’s City Hosts 15th Annual Wedding Expo on March 8, 2026

Engaged couples are invited to discover Southern Maryland’s most picturesque wedding destination at the 15th Annual Wedding Expo at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) on Sunday, March 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., held at the HSMC State House overlooking the St. Mary’s River. This free-to-attend event (with pre-registration) brings together dozens of trusted...
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Dunkirk Man Arrested After High Speed Chase in Calvert County

On February 14, 2026, Deputy Morgal initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling 98 mph westbound on W. Chesapeake Beach Road in Dunkirk. When Deputy Morgal activated his emergency equipment, the driver failed to stop and continued westbound onto Brickhouse Road at speeds reaching approximately 120 mph. The vehicle was observed traveling...
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Leadership Maryland Announces Emerging Leader Program 3rd Class

Leadership Maryland, the statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders, announces the 32 individuals selected to participate in the Emerging Leader Program 3rd Class. The class consists of rising stars and high-potential employees from across the state who are...
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State Police Arrest Prince George’s County Man for Possession, Distribution of Child Pornography

Maryland State Police arrested a Prince George’s County man after an investigation developed evidence of the possession and distribution of child pornography. The suspect is identified as Braeden E. Swisher, 26, of Bowie, Maryland. In consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Prince George’s County, Swisher was arrested and charged with six...
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Historic St. Mary’s City March 2026 Calendar Release

From interactive living history to family-friendly workshops, Historic St. Mary’s City invites visitors to discover something new this March at Maryland’s first capital. March 3 – Registration Opens: Spring Break & Homeschool Programs – registration opens for Historic St. Mary’s City’s Spring Break programs and Homeschool Workshops. Hands-on history experiences fill quickly; early registration...
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UPDATE: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller File for 2026 Re-Election Campaign

UPDATE 2/24/2026: With less than 48 hours left before the filing deadline, Governor Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller headed to the Maryland State Board of Elections and have officially filed their candidacy for the 2026 Democratic Primary This comes after Moore’s September 9th, 2025, release. In the video, Wes Moore announced he is...
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